Tropical Depression 17 not yet a tropical storm

At midnight, the center of Tropical Depression 17 was located near latitude 14.6 north, longitude 82.1 west or about 85 miles east-southeast of Cabo Gracias a Dios on the Nicaragua/Honduras border.

The depression is moving erratically toward the northwest near 5 mph. This general motion is expected to continue today, with a gradual turn toward the north forecast on Friday.

A tropical storm watch remains in effect from Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua northward to Limon, Honduras. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, in this case within 24 to 36 hours.

Reports from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts. The depression is expected to become a tropical storm today, and additional strengthening is forecast through Friday.

The depression is expected to produce 2 to 3 inches of rain over eastern Honduras and northeastern Nicaragua with isolated maximum totals of 6 inches possible.

The next advisory will be issued by the National Hurricane Center at 3 a.m.